Players must practise with match intensity

The name Jonathan means, 'Gift from God', this name has benefited South African cricket and Jonathan Neil Rhodes (Jonty) is a true gift to SA cricket as he has made outstanding contributions with his breathtaking and awesome fielding on countless occasions and held spectators spellbound.

Many top class fielders have been seen in cricket, but Jonty Rhodes could be said to have outclassed them all. Rhodes has been specially flown down to Sri Lanka from India where he was involved in the recently concluded IPL, to coach the national team in various fielding techniques as Sri Lanka is due to meet Pakistan in a home series this month. He will be here for ten days.

The 45- year- old South African, has played 52 Test matches with three centuries and 2,532 runs. He has played in 245 ODI's and has 5935 runs with two centuries to his credit. He made his Test debut against India in Durban in 1992 and played his last Test against Sri Lanka at the SSC in 2000.

At a press briefing held at the R.Premadasa Stadium, regarding his coaching programme, Rhodes stressed that if a cricketer can get to the ball, he can teach the fielding techniques but if they can't get there, it will not be his job but the job of the fitness trainer.

"Cricket has three disciplines, not just batting and bowling. The third discipline is of course fielding which is not just fielding for the T20 or the 50 over matches. Test matches are also important these days.We know the adage 'Catches win matches'' he pointed out.

Rhodes said that when he saw the players he was impressed. A bit of teaching and technique from the catching point of view and throwing, will rate Sri Lanka as one of the best fielding teams in the World in Test cricket, Limited Overs and the T20.

Rhodes said that anyone who could field in any position and anticipates that every ball will come his way, could be classed as a great fielder. "Not many fielders were throwing themselves about during my time. It was not expected. But now everyone expects a cricketer to do just that. What makes a good fielder, is if somebody is expecting the ball to come to him, then a cricketer can move forward form there," he said.

"Too often, especially the taller guys and particularly, the fast bowlers make this mistake- as soon as they complete the over, their minds are elsewhere. I am talking about body technique, It is the feet, if you get your feet in the right position, it doesn't matter where your hands are but the feet must be in the right position. If you don't move your feet, that means you are not ready to receive the ball. I like to see body positioning.

The feet should get into good position to catch the ball or to throw it.What makes a good fielder is the one who expects the ball to come towards you all the time and the one who enjoys the stay in the field. Not just waiting till the 50 overs are complete to bat or wait for the time between overs to bowl again.", he said.

"A fielder who anticipates the ball to come his way at every possible moment is different to a player who doesn't want to be there. There are certain techniques that could be taught Speed to the ball is important, so is a strong throw.The person who gets the ball could be taught the technique of catching. Physical fitness is imperative to be a good fielder.", Rhodes stressed. Talking of consistency levels while fielding, he said nothing could be done, once the players have crossed into the field. Some players may have their off days,"he pointed out.

Training should be carried out once the players return from a tournament or series. One cannot say whether players give one hundred percent while on the field. "However much the coach talks to players prior to to a match, it will not make any difference on the field, unless the player wants to do his best." he opined.

From the point of view of consistency, as long as the team is on top, everyone is happy. If the team is down their morale drops, then the players don't expect the ball to come up to them. That's something the coach will find difficult to address.

"We had Ricky Ponting with the Mumbai Indians at the recent IPL, who had some great players on his side, but he couldn't get the required consistency levels out of the team. Unless it comes from the players itself , it is difficult to motivate them. A player must realise that," he said.

"You can ask players in the best possible manner but it is up to them to realise it. Man-management is key at that moment. But once the players steps on the boundary rope, it is up to the players to deliver. I make sure that every time, when players practice to make it a match situation. If players practice with match intensity, then hopefully match consistency could be realised. If you practice in a half-hearted manner, thinking that they will give their 100 percent during only when the game starts, you never know what they are going to give you. I'll be looking for match practice and match intensity practice all the time."